Children's Hospital of Orange County

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Social Services

Our social workers play a crucial role in meeting the psychosocial needs of patients and their families at CHOC. The social services department is staffed by master’s level social workers, many of whom are licensed clinical social workers by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

How We Help

  • Our social workers are active members of many of the multidisciplinary teams at CHOC including inpatient and outpatient areas.
  • We are here to listen, share information and provide support and assistance to your family and the medical team. Any patient, parent/caregiver or member the healthcare team can request a social services consultation.
  • We collaborate with outside agencies on behalf of the medical team such as schools and community nursing.
  • We facilitate support groups and disease-specific education days.
  • Our social workers provide crisis intervention, education, advocacy, resource referral and bereavement support.
  • We conduct assessments to help determine what resources are appropriate for your family and determine how to address your unique needs.

Through the generous donation of the Swenson Family Foundation, CHOC social workers are able to assist families in need and those experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

For more information, please call 714-509-8521.

Bereavement Support Groups

Quarterly Grief Support Workshops
for Parents, Caregivers, and Families

Offered in-person at CHOC, 4 evening events per year. Parents, caregivers, families, and children are welcome. English and Spanish speakers are welcome.

Please email [email protected] for more information and to RSVP.

Upcoming workshops:
February 5, 2025

Quarterly Grief Support Group for Siblings
Open, drop-in group. Offered in-person at CHOC. The suggested age range is 8-12, but other ages can often be accommodated. English and Spanish speakers are welcomed.

Parents/caregivers can email Lauren Schwarz, MS, CCLS at [email protected] for more information and to sign up.

Talleres trimestrales de apoyo para el duelo
para Padres, Cuidadores y miembros de la familia
Se ofrece en persona en CHOC, 4 eventos al año por la tarde. Los padres, cuidadores, miembros de la familia y niños son bienvenidos. Los hablantes de inglés y español son bienvenidos.

Envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] para obtener más información y confirmar su asistencia.

Próximos talleres:
5 de Febrero del 2025

Grupo Trimestral de Apoyo para Hermanos
Grupo abierto, sin cita previa. Se ofrece en persona en CHOC. El rango de edad sugerido es de 8 a 12 años, pero a menudo se pueden acomodar otras edades. Los hablantes de inglés y español son bienvenidos.

Los padres/cuidadores pueden enviar un correo electrónico a Lauren Schwarz, MS, CCLS al [email protected] para obtener más información e inscribirse.

FAQ: Social Services Available to CHOC Families

Toddler girl and mom with the pediatrician

In honor of National Social Work Month, we spoke to Mitzi Bennett, manager of the social services department at CHOC. Mitzi has been a social worker at CHOC for more than 20 years and, with her team, works directly with patients and families in a variety of settings. Learn more about our social services in this FAQ.